World Languages and Cultures
Spanish Major Program
Our language programs integrate language and culture at all levels. While practical use of Spanish is essential, language learning in the liberal arts tradition also means deep reflection on the interdependence of language and culture.
Spanish Major at A Glance
79
Of language majors at Allegheny double major.
90
Of employers say they rely on employees with skills in languages other than English.
Why study Spanish at Allegheny?
Complete the Senior Research Project in Spanish.
Every student works closely with a professor to research a topic their choice, and does research and writing in Spanish!
Combine your Spanish study with expertise in another field.
Allegheny's small classes mean you have more time to practice the language in class.
Get more "talk time."
Because every Spanish major also has a minor, and many double-major, you'll graduate ready to put your finely-tuned language and cultural skills to work in a field of your choice.
Join a close-knit community.
You'll get to know other language students and be part of a community of students who love language in and out of the classroom.
A 4-year Journey into Language and Culture
From "¡Hola!" to your Senior Project, a Spanish major will engage you with Spanish-speaking culture from day one and will keep improving your language skills until graduation and beyond. Plan ahead for all the opportunities before you!
Get the basics in language and culture. You can start from the very beginning if Spanish is new to you, or if you've studied Spanish before, we'll make sure you start in the right class to make the most of what you already know, while still building a solid foundation for the coming years.
In your second year, you'll continue to make your way through intermediate courses. This is a great time to reach out into the Spanish-speaking community on campus, if you haven't already — maybe try having lunch at Spanish table once a week, or apply to live in the Spanish house in the Max Kade Wing, where you'll speak Spanish all the time and have a native speaker for a roommate! And don't forget to declare your Spanish minor before the end of the year!
By now you'll be moving toward the advanced level in your language skill and gaining rich knowledge and understanding of culture, and nothing helps you do that more than studying in a Spanish-speaking country. Most Spanish majors do go abroad in their third year. Visit the International Education Office and talk to your professors to learn about your options, and talk with your advisor to make sure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime immersion opportunity!
By now, you've had an unforgettable time abroad, speaking Spanish comes easy to you, and you might even have a bit of reverse culture shock when you return home to Allegheny! For most students, the Senior Project is the defining feature of their major in the fourth year. You'll start by choosing a topic related to a Spanish-speaking culture, and will work with a professor to refine, research, and develop it, and in the spring semester, you'll write an extensive thesis — all in Spanish!
Spanish Major Learning Outcomes
"What will I be able to do in Spanish if I major in it?"
Academic Research
You'll produce a major research project on a topic in a Spanish-speaking culture, and have in-depth conversations about it with your professors.
Read & Reflect
You'll be able to understand and interpret complex texts, including academic texts, with nuance.
Discuss
You'll be able to follow conversations and discussions including many topics and viewpoints.
Cooperate
You'll be able to work with others in Spanish to solve problems, even if they're complex and involve unexpected complications.
Share & Exchange
You'll be able to maintain extended conversations in Spanish about activities, experiences, preferences, opinions, ideas, and emotions.
Gain Insight
You'll understand the institutions, politics, geography, history, customs, and other aspects of culture in places where Spanish is spoken.
Keep Learning
You'll learn how knowledge of culture can inform your exchanges with people from Spanish-speaking cultures, so you can be a lifelong learner.
Katherine Deutch, Alumna
Class of 2014, Spanish Major/Biology Minor; Physician Assistant in Psychiatry, Ft. Myers, Florida
“ Being able to work in Spanish has provided many opportunities, and I am grateful that I was able to gain this knowledge through Allegheny. ”